A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical development

Abstract

The application discloses a tablet hardness tester for medicine research and development, which comprises a test table, the upper end of the test table is slidably connected with a sliding support plate, the upper end of the sliding support plate is fixedly connected with three shielding plates at equal intervals, the three shielding plates are used for separating the upper end of the sliding support plate into two detection spaces, and the upper end of the test table is provided with shielding covers matched with the detection spaces; two detection mechanisms are arranged in the two detection spaces respectively, the detection mechanism comprises a detection cylinder fixedly connected with the sliding support plate, the detection cylinder is fixedly connected with a placing table inside, and the upper end of the placing table is provided with a plurality of detection components. The hardness of multiple tablets can be determined at one time, and the determination efficiency is effectively improved. In addition, after the determination is completed, the placing part and the pressing part can be automatically cleaned, manual participation of an operator is not needed, and the overall determination efficiency is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical hardness testing technology, and in particular to a tablet hardness tester for use in pharmaceutical research and development. Background Technology

[0002] Tablet hardness is one of the important indicators for evaluating drug quality, directly affecting the disintegration time, dissolution rate and stability of drugs. Therefore, accurate measurement of tablet hardness is of great significance in the drug research and development and production process.

[0003] Currently, existing tablet hardness testers typically use a single-tablet testing method, meaning only one tablet can be loaded and tested at a time. After the test is completed, the operator must manually remove the tested tablet and place the next tablet in the test, repeating the process. When testing the hardness of a large number of tablets, this method is time-consuming and inefficient, making it difficult to meet the needs of rapid screening of large batches of samples in the drug development stage.

[0004] Furthermore, during tablet hardness testing, tablet fragments and powder can easily remain on the testing apparatus's platform and pressure head. In existing technologies, operators typically need to manually clean the platform and pressure head after testing to prevent residues from interfering with subsequent results. However, manual cleaning not only increases the operator's workload but also reduces overall testing efficiency to some extent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development. Compared with existing technologies, this tester can perform hardness tests on multiple tablets at once, effectively improving testing efficiency. In addition, after the test is completed, the placement and pressurization parts can be automatically and conveniently self-cleaned without the need for manual intervention by operators, further improving the overall testing efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research includes a test platform with a sliding support plate slidably connected to its upper end. Three baffles are fixedly connected at equal intervals to the upper end of the sliding support plate, dividing the upper part of the sliding support plate into two detection spaces. A shielding cover cooperating with the detection spaces is provided at the upper end of the test platform. Two detection mechanisms are located in the two detection spaces respectively. Each detection mechanism includes a detection cylinder fixedly connected to the sliding support plate, with a placement platform fixedly connected inside the detection cylinder. Multiple detection components are provided at the upper end of the placement platform. A rotation triggering mechanism is provided in the middle of the placement platform. This mechanism, upon rotation, intermittently triggers multiple detection components to achieve hardness testing of multiple tablets, improving testing efficiency.

[0007] Preferably, the detection component includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate, both of which are fixedly connected to the placement platform. A pressure plate is provided on the side of the second fixing plate near the first fixing plate. Two guide posts are symmetrically fixedly connected to the side of the pressure plate near the second fixing plate. The other ends of the two guide posts pass through the corresponding second fixing plates and are slidably connected. The pressure plate and the corresponding second fixing plate are elastically connected by a first spring. An abutment strip is installed on the side of the pressure plate near the second fixing plate. An intelligent pressure sensor is installed between the abutment strip and the second fixing plate. The other side of the abutment strip passes through the corresponding second fixing plate and is slidably connected. One side of the abutment strip is an inclined surface.

[0008] Preferably, the detection component further includes a placement groove formed on the upper end of the placement platform, and a slidable placement plate is provided at the opening of the placement groove, the upper end surface of the placement plate being flush with the upper end surface of the placement platform.

[0009] Preferably, the rotation triggering mechanism includes a rotating column rotatably connected to the upper end of the placement platform. A rotating seat is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating column. A T-shaped groove is provided at the eccentric part of the rotating seat. A T-shaped block is slidably connected in the T-shaped groove. The side of the T-shaped block near the central axis of the rotating column is elastically connected to the inner wall of the T-shaped groove through a second spring. A U-shaped connecting strip is fixedly connected to the upper end of the T-shaped block. An abutting rod is fixedly connected to the side of the U-shaped connecting strip away from the central axis of the rotating column. The abutting rod cooperates with the inclined surfaces of multiple abutting strips.

[0010] Preferably, the rotation triggering mechanism further includes a transmission cavity opened inside the placement platform, a rotating tube rotatably connected to the top of the transmission cavity, the upper end of the rotating tube passing through the transmission cavity and fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column, a drive motor fixedly connected to the top of the transmission cavity, and the output shaft of the drive motor connected to the rotating tube through a synchronizing element.

[0011] Preferably, the synchronizing element includes two synchronizing pulleys, which are respectively mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor and the rotating tube, and are connected by a synchronous belt drive.

[0012] Preferably, the system further includes a cleaning mechanism comprising multiple rectangular cavities. The top of each rectangular cavity is connected to the bottom of a corresponding placement slot via a through-hole. A rectangular slider is slidably connected inside each rectangular cavity. A fixing rod is connected to the upper end of each rectangular slider. The other end of each fixing rod passes through a corresponding through-hole and is fixedly connected to the lower end of a corresponding placement plate. The lower end of each placement plate is elastically connected to the bottom of the corresponding placement slot via a third spring. An electromagnet is installed at the bottom of each placement slot. Each placement plate is magnetic. When each electromagnet is energized, it repels the adjacent surfaces of the corresponding placement plate due to their similar polarity.

[0013] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism further includes a rotating hollow scraper fixedly connected to the upper end of the U-shaped connecting strip, and an impact strip is fixedly connected to the opening of the T-shaped groove, the impact strip cooperating with the U-shaped connecting strip.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism further includes a piston cylinder fixedly connected to the side wall of the transmission cavity, a piston plate slidably connected inside the piston cylinder, a drive disk fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, an eccentric part of the drive disk being rotatably connected to the piston plate via a connecting rod, a one-way air inlet pipe and a one-way exhaust pipe being connected to the extended space of the piston cylinder, the other end of the one-way air inlet pipe being connected to the lower end of the rotating pipe via a rotary joint, the upper end of the rotating pipe passing through the rotating column and the rotating seat, and being connected to the interior of the rotating hollow scraper via a connecting hose, a plurality of suction holes being provided on the side wall of the rotating hollow scraper, and a filter screen being installed at the connection point between the connecting hose and the rotating hollow scraper; The one-way intake pipe is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the rotating tube to enter the piston cylinder in one direction, and the one-way exhaust pipe is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the piston cylinder to discharge to the outside in one direction.

[0015] Preferably, a display control panel is installed on the upper rear side of the test bench, and the display control panel is electrically connected to the drive motor, multiple electromagnets and multiple intelligent pressure sensors.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention divides the detection area into two independent detection spaces using a sliding support plate and three baffles. Operators can perform tablet detection in one space while simultaneously feeding tablets into the other, enabling alternating detection and feeding operations and significantly improving equipment efficiency. The baffles effectively isolate the two detection spaces, preventing mutual interference and blocking tablet debris from scattering, ensuring a clean detection environment and accurate detection data.

[0017] 2. The present invention adopts a rotating seat with an eccentric T-groove, a second spring, a stop rod and a stop bar inclined transmission structure to convert rotational motion into linear propulsion force, which pushes the pressure plate to move slowly and uniformly towards the tablet, and can measure multiple tablets at the same time.

[0018] 3. This invention incorporates an intelligent pressure sensor between the abutting strip and the second fixed plate to collect real-time pressure values ​​applied to the tablet by the pressure plate. When the tablet is crushed, the intelligent pressure sensor accurately records the peak pressure data and transmits it to the display control panel for real-time display and storage. This provides accurate tablet hardness reference data for drug development, effectively improving the data acquisition accuracy and reliability of tablet hardness detection. After a single test is completed, the spring elastically resets, allowing for the next set of tests, supporting continuous operation.

[0019] 4. This invention features a cleaning mode. When the drive motor operates at high speed, the electromagnet pushes the placement plate up to be flush with the upper surface of the pressure plate, achieving scraper-type cleaning of residual materials. The rotating hollow scraper removes debris at high speed, and centrifugal force causes the adhered debris to initially fall off. When the second spring quickly returns to its original position, it impacts the impact bar, generating vibration force that causes stubborn debris to vibrate and fall off. At the same time, the reciprocating motion of the piston cylinder generates negative pressure, which draws in dust and debris through the adsorption holes. The filter screen intercepts large particles, and the one-way valve ensures unidirectional airflow, achieving continuous pneumatic adsorption cleaning of the detection area and ensuring the accuracy of the next detection and the safety of the operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection cylinder of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection component of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a first cross-sectional view of the detection cylinder of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A; Figure 6 This is a second cross-sectional view of the detection cylinder of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6Enlarged view of point B.

[0021] In the diagram: 1 Test stand, 2 Display control panel, 3 Shield, 4 Sliding support plate, 5 Shield plate, 6 Detection cylinder, 7 Transmission cavity, 8 Placement platform, 9 Rotating seat, 10 Placement slot, 11 Placement plate, 12 First fixing plate, 13 Pressure plate, 14 Rotating hollow scraper, 15 Adsorption hole, 16 Second fixing plate, 17 Abutting strip, 18 Guide column, 19 First spring, 20 Connecting hose, 21 Filter screen, 22 Rotating column, 23 T-slot, 24 Second spring, 25 T-block, 26 Impact strip, 27 U-shaped connecting strip, 28 Abutting rod, 29 Synchronous belt, 30 Drive disc, 31 Rotating tube, 32 Third spring, 33 Rectangular cavity, 34 Fixing rod, 35 Rectangular slider, 36 Electromagnet, 37 Drive motor, 38 Piston cylinder, 39 One-way air intake pipe, 40 Piston plate, 41 Connecting rod, 42 One-way exhaust pipe, 43 Synchronous pulley. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0023] Reference Figures 1-7 A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development includes a test platform 1. A sliding support plate 4 is slidably connected to the upper end of the test platform 1. The sliding support plate 4 supports the detection structure above and slides laterally along the test platform 1 to achieve switching between different detection spaces. Three baffle plates 5 are fixedly connected at equal intervals to the upper end of the sliding support plate 4. The three baffle plates 5 are used to divide the upper end of the sliding support plate 4 into two detection spaces. A baffle cover 3 that cooperates with the detection space is set at the upper end of the test platform 1. With this structure, when one detection space is being tested, the other detection space is being fed, so that testing and feeding are alternated, which greatly improves work efficiency and reduces equipment idle waiting time. The baffle plates 5 also play an isolation and protection role, preventing mutual interference between the two detection spaces, and at the same time, they have a certain blocking effect on tablet fragments in the detection space. The system also includes two testing mechanisms, each located in a separate testing space. Each testing mechanism includes a testing cylinder 6 fixedly connected to a sliding support plate 4. The testing cylinder 6 provides a support frame for the testing components and its internal space accommodates and constrains debris generated during the testing process. A placement platform 8 is fixedly connected inside the testing cylinder 6. Multiple testing components are mounted on the upper end of the placement platform 8. Each testing component includes a first fixing plate 12 and a second fixing plate 16, both fixedly connected to the placement platform 8. The second fixing plate 16 rests against... A pressure plate 13 is provided on the side near the first fixed plate 12. The pressure plate 13 is used to apply pressure to the tablet to be tested during the testing process, and works with the first fixed plate 12 to achieve the clamping and crushing operation of the tablet. Two guide posts 18 are symmetrically fixedly connected on the side of the pressure plate 13 near the second fixed plate 16. The other ends of the two guide posts 18 pass through the corresponding second fixed plate 16 and are slidably connected. The guide posts 18 are used to guide and limit the movement direction of the pressure plate 13, ensuring that the pressure plate 13 moves smoothly in a straight line after being subjected to force, avoiding deviation that may cause testing errors. The pressure plate 13 and the corresponding second fixed plate 16 are elastically connected by a first spring 19. The first spring 19 has a small spring constant. When no force is applied, the first spring 19 holds the pressure plate 13 in its initial position. When force is applied, it can be stretched to slowly push the pressure plate 13 towards the first fixed plate 12. An abutment strip 17 is installed on the side of the pressure plate 13 near the second fixed plate 16. The abutment strip 17 is used to cooperate with the abutment rod 28 in the rotation trigger mechanism to transmit the driving force of the rotation trigger mechanism to the pressure plate 13, causing it to move towards the tablet. The abutment strip 17 and the second fixed plate 16 are connected by a... Equipped with an intelligent pressure sensor, the intelligent pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure value applied to the tablet by the pressure plate 13 in real time. When the tablet breaks, the peak pressure value is accurately recorded and the information is transmitted to the terminal to provide accurate hardness data reference for drug research and development. The other side of the abutment strip 17 passes through the corresponding second fixing plate 16 and is slidably connected. One side of the abutment strip 17 is a slope. This slope structure allows the abutment rod 28 to slide along the slope, thereby converting the rotational motion into a force that pushes the abutment strip 17 and the pressure plate 13 to move in a straight line, so as to gradually pressurize the tablet. The testing assembly also includes a placement slot 10 located on the upper end of the placement platform 8. A slidable placement plate 11 is positioned at the opening of the placement slot 10. The placement slot 10 accommodates the placement plate 11 and provides space for its vertical sliding. The placement plate 11 holds the tablet to be tested and is kept flush with the upper surface of the placement platform 8 before testing to facilitate tablet placement and positioning. The tablet to be tested is placed on the placement plate 11. During testing, the placement plate 11 remains in its lower position, preventing obstruction of the movement of the pressure plate 13.

[0024] The placement platform 8 is equipped with a rotation triggering mechanism in its center. This mechanism can intermittently trigger multiple detection components after rotation, enabling hardness testing of multiple tablets and improving testing efficiency. The rotation triggering mechanism uses a single drive source to sequentially trigger multiple detection components, avoiding the need for a separate drive device for each component and simplifying the overall structure. The mechanism includes a rotating column 22 rotatably connected to the upper end of the placement platform 8. The rotating column 22 serves as the main rotation axis, driving the upper components to rotate synchronously. A rotating seat 9 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating column 22. A T-slot 23 is provided at the eccentric part of the seat 9. A T-block 25 is slidably connected in the T-slot 23. The side of the T-block 25 closest to the central axis of the rotating column 22 is elastically connected to the inner wall of the T-slot 23 through a second spring 24. A U-shaped connecting strip 27 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the T-block 25. A stop rod 28 is fixedly connected to the side of the U-shaped connecting strip 27 away from the central axis of the rotating column 22. The stop rod 28 cooperates with the inclined surfaces of multiple stop strips 17. The spring coefficient of the second spring 24 is extremely large. During the testing stage, when the stop rod 28 abuts the inclined surface, it will not be compressed. Only the multiple first springs 19 will be stretched. The rotation triggering mechanism also includes a transmission cavity 7 located inside the placement platform 8. A rotating tube 31 is rotatably connected to the top of the transmission cavity 7. The upper end of the rotating tube 31 passes through the transmission cavity 7 and is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column 22. The rotating tube 31 acts as a transmission shaft to transmit the power of the drive motor 37 to the rotating column 22, realizing the power transmission between the drive motor 37 and the rotating seat 9. The drive motor 37 is fixedly connected to the top of the transmission cavity 7. The drive motor 37 acts as the power source of the rotation triggering mechanism, driving the rotating seat 9 to rotate, which in turn drives the abutment rod 28 to trigger each detection component in sequence. The output shaft of the drive motor 37 is connected to the rotating tube 31 through a synchronizing element. The synchronizing element includes two synchronizing wheels 43, which are respectively installed on the output shaft of the drive motor 37 and the rotating tube 31. The two synchronizing wheels 43 are connected by a synchronous belt 29. During the detection process, the drive motor 37 rotates at a low speed to ensure that the pressure plate 13 moves slowly during multiple abutments, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0025] The system also includes a cleaning mechanism comprising multiple rectangular cavities 33. The top of each rectangular cavity 33 is connected to the bottom of its corresponding placement slot 10 via a through-hole. A rectangular slider 35 is slidably connected inside each rectangular cavity 33. The slider 35 guides the movement of the slider up and down within the cavity 33 and also limits the maximum upward movement of the placement plate 11 when it reaches the top of the cavity. A fixing rod 34 is connected to the upper end of each slider 35, and the other end of each fixing rod 34 passes through a corresponding through-hole and is fixedly connected to the lower end of the corresponding placement plate 11. The lower end of each placement plate 11 is connected to the corresponding placement slot 10 via a third spring 32. The inner bottom of the 0 is elastically connected, and an electromagnet 36 is installed in the inner bottom of each placement slot 10. Each placement plate 11 is magnetic. When each electromagnet 36 is energized, it repels the adjacent surface of the corresponding placement plate 11. During the cleaning stage, when multiple electromagnets 36 are energized, multiple placement plates 11 will move upward. When multiple placement plates 11 move upward until the rectangular slider 35 contacts the inner top of the rectangular cavity 33, they cannot move. At this time, the placement plates 11 move upward to be flush with the upper surface of the first fixed plate 12 and the pressure plate 13. During this movement, the placement plate 11 acts as a scraper, which can scrape the debris from the opposite surface of the first fixed plate 12 and the pressure plate 13 onto the placement plate 11, which is convenient for subsequent centralized cleaning. The cleaning mechanism also includes a rotating hollow scraper 14 fixedly connected to the upper end of the U-shaped connecting strip 27. The lower end face of the rotating hollow scraper 14 is flush with the upper end face of the first fixed plate 12 and the pressure plate 13. When rotating, it concentrates and scrapes away debris. During the cleaning process, the drive motor 37 rotates rapidly, which generates a certain centrifugal force to throw off the scraped tablet debris and prevent it from adhering to the rotating hollow scraper 14. An impact strip 26 is fixedly connected to the opening of the T-shaped groove 23. The impact strip 26 cooperates with the U-shaped connecting strip 27. Since multiple placement plates 11 move upward during the cleaning process, the pressure plate 13 is subjected to pressure. The movement was blocked, so during this process, the rotation of the rotating seat 9, after the abutment rod 28 abutted against the corresponding inclined surface, could only cause the T-block 25 to compress the second spring 24. When the abutment rod 28 left the corresponding inclined surface (abutment bar 17), under the elastic action of the second spring 24 with a large stiffness coefficient, the whole formed by the T-block 25, U-shaped connecting bar 27, rotating hollow scraper bar 14 and abutment rod 28 would quickly move back. Due to inertia, it would collide with the impact bar 26. The vibration force generated by this impact would be transmitted to the rotating hollow scraper bar 14, causing it to vibrate, which would further detach any debris that might be adhering to it. The cleaning mechanism also includes a piston cylinder 38 fixedly connected to the side wall of the transmission cavity 7. A piston plate 40 is slidably connected inside the piston cylinder 38. The piston plate 40 reciprocates within the piston cylinder 38, forming a compression and suction process to achieve pneumatic adsorption of debris and dust. The output shaft of the drive motor 37 is fixedly connected to a drive disk 30. The eccentric part of the drive disk 30 is rotatably connected to the piston plate 40 through a connecting rod 41. The connecting rod 41 converts the circular motion of the eccentric part of the drive disk 30 into the linear reciprocating motion of the piston plate 40. This structure belongs to the crank-connecting rod mechanism in the prior art. The extended space of the piston cylinder 38 is connected to a one-way air intake pipe 39 and a one-way exhaust pipe 42. The other end of the one-way air intake pipe 39 is connected to the lower end of the rotating pipe 31 through a rotary joint. The upper end of the rotating pipe 31 passes through the rotating column 22 and the rotating seat 9, and is connected to the interior of the rotating hollow scraper 14 through the connecting hose 20. Multiple adsorption holes 15 are provided on the side wall of the rotating hollow scraper 14. A filter screen 21 is installed at the connection between the connecting hose 20 and the rotating hollow scraper 14. A removable operating sealing plate is provided on the rotating hollow scraper 14 to facilitate cleaning of the filter screen 21. The one-way air inlet pipe 39 is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the rotating pipe 31 to enter the piston cylinder 38 in one direction, and the one-way exhaust pipe 42 is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the piston cylinder 38 to exit to the outside in one direction. This structure can adsorb dust generated during the crushing or cleaning of medicines, improving overall safety. Specifically, during the reciprocating movement of the piston plate 40, when the expansion space of the piston cylinder 38 increases, the gas in the detection space enters the rotating hollow scraper 14 through the adsorption hole 15, and then finally enters the expansion space through the connecting hose 20, the rotating pipe 31, and the one-way air inlet pipe 39. When the piston plate 40 is compressed inward, the gas inside the piston cylinder 38 is discharged to the outside through the one-way valve of the one-way exhaust pipe 42, thereby realizing gas flow. In conjunction with the filter screen 21, this gas flow can adsorb dust in the detection environment.

[0026] The test bench 1 is equipped with a display control panel 2 at the upper rear end. The display control panel 2 is electrically connected to the drive motor 37, multiple electromagnets 36, and multiple intelligent pressure sensors. The display control panel 2 is used to display the tablet hardness data detected by each detection component, and at the same time, it provides unified control over the rotation speed of the drive motor 37 and the power on / off of the electromagnets 36. Operators can set detection parameters, switch detection modes and cleaning modes through the display control panel 2, and view the detection results in real time, thereby realizing centralized monitoring and management of the entire tablet hardness measurement process.

[0027] In this invention, when the tablet hardness tester is working, the operator first sets the detection parameters through the display control panel 2 on the back of the test platform 1, switches to the detection mode, and the equipment enters the normal hardness detection process. The sliding support plate 4 at the upper end of the test platform 1 can slide laterally along the test platform 1. Three baffles 5 divide the upper end of the sliding support plate 4 into two independent detection spaces. The operator can perform tablet detection in one detection space while completing the tablet feeding operation in the other detection space, realizing alternating operation of detection and feeding, which greatly improves the detection efficiency of the equipment. The baffles 5 can effectively isolate the two detection spaces to avoid mutual interference between operations, and at the same time prevent tablet fragments from flying around.

[0028] During the testing process, the tablets to be tested are placed on the upper end of the placement plate 11 of the placement platform 8. Initially, the placement plate 11 is flush with the upper surface of the placement platform 8, facilitating accurate positioning of the tablets. The rotation trigger mechanism in the middle of the placement platform 8 is the core drive structure. The display control panel 2 controls the drive motor 37 to run at low speed. The output shaft of the drive motor 37 transmits power to the rotating tube 31 through a synchronizing element composed of a synchronous pulley 43 and a synchronous belt 29. The rotating tube 31 drives the rotating column 22 and the rotating seat 9 fixed at the upper end to rotate synchronously at low speed.

[0029] A T-shaped block 25 is slidably connected inside the T-shaped groove 23 at the eccentric position of the rotating seat 9. The T-shaped block 25 is elastically connected to the inner wall of the T-shaped groove 23 by a second spring 24 with a high stiffness coefficient. The upper end of the T-shaped block 25 is fixedly connected to the abutment rod 28 by a U-shaped connecting strip 27. As the rotating seat 9 continues to rotate, the abutment rod 28 contacts and engages with the inclined surfaces of the abutment bars 17 of each detection component in sequence. Using the inclined surface transmission structure, the rotational motion of the rotating seat 9 is converted into the linear propulsive force of the abutment bars 17, which in turn pushes the pressure plate 13 to move slowly towards the first fixed plate 12.

[0030] The pressure plate 13 is slidably connected to the second fixed plate 16 via two guide posts 18. The guide posts 18 limit and guide the movement trajectory of the pressure plate 13, ensuring that the pressure plate 13 moves smoothly in a straight line and avoiding detection errors caused by deviation. A first spring 19 with a small stiffness coefficient is connected between the pressure plate 13 and the second fixed plate 16. During the detection process, the second spring 24 hardly compresses, and only the first spring 19 is stretched, ensuring that the pressure plate 13 advances slowly and uniformly, applying stable pressure to the tablet.

[0031] The intelligent pressure sensor between the abutment bar 17 and the second fixed plate 16 collects the pressure applied to the tablet by the pressure plate 13 in real time. When the tablet is crushed, the intelligent pressure sensor accurately records the peak pressure data and transmits the data to the display control panel 2 for real-time display and storage, providing accurate tablet hardness reference data for drug development. After a single group of tablets is tested, the abutment rod 28 rotates with the rotating seat 9 and disengages from the abutment bar 17. The first spring 19 elastically resets, driving the pressure plate 13 back to its initial position, completing a single testing cycle. Continuous operation of the equipment allows for sequential and continuous hardness testing of multiple groups of tablets.

[0032] After the equipment inspection is completed, the operator switches to cleaning mode via the display control panel 2, and the equipment starts the fully automatic cleaning process. At the same time, the drive motor 37 is switched to high-speed operation. In the initial cleaning stage, the display control panel 2 controls the electromagnets 36 at the bottom of each placement slot 10 to be energized. The electromagnets 36 and the adjacent surfaces of the corresponding magnetic placement plates 11 repel each other, pushing the placement plates 11 to move upward smoothly.

[0033] The placement plate 11 is connected to the rectangular slider 35 via the fixing rod 34. The rectangular slider 35 slides and is guided within the rectangular cavity 33. When the rectangular slider 35 abuts against the top of the rectangular cavity 33, the placement plate 11 reaches its maximum upward stroke. At this time, the upper surface of the placement plate 11 is flush with the upper surfaces of the first fixing plate 12 and the pressure plate 13. During the upward movement of the placement plate 11, residual tablet fragments on the mating surfaces of the first fixing plate 12 and the pressure plate 13 can be scraped off using a scraper, causing the fragments to fall onto the upper surface of the placement plate 11, thus completing the basic cleaning of residual materials.

[0034] During high-speed operation of the drive motor 37, the rotating seat 9, U-shaped connecting strip 27, and upper hollow scraper 14 rotate at high speed. The hollow scraper 14 can scrape off debris from the upper surface of the placement plate 11. The centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation can initially shake off and clean the debris adhering to the surface of the hollow scraper 14. At the same time, because the placement plate 11 moves upward and blocks the pressure plate 13, when the abutment rod 28 presses against the inclined surface of the abutment strip 17, it cannot push the pressure plate 13 to move, but can only compress the second spring 24 with a high stiffness coefficient. When the abutment rod 28 disengages from the abutment bar 17, the second spring 24 quickly and elastically resets, causing the T-block 25, U-shaped connecting bar 27, rotating hollow scraper 14, and abutment rod 28 to move back quickly as a whole. Using inertia, they collide with the impact bar 26 at the opening of the T-slot 23, generating vibration force that is transmitted to the rotating hollow scraper 14. This causes the stubborn debris adhering to the scraper surface to vibrate and fall off, ensuring the cleanliness of the rotating hollow scraper 14. The fallen debris will mostly fall into the inner side of the detection cylinder 6.

[0035] While the drive motor 37 is running, its output shaft drives the drive disc 30 to rotate synchronously. The drive disc 30, through a crank-connecting rod mechanism formed by the connecting rod 41, drives the piston plate 40 inside the piston cylinder 38 to perform reciprocating linear motion. When the piston plate 40 moves forward, the internal expansion space of the piston cylinder 38 increases. Under negative pressure, debris and dust in the detection space are sucked in through multiple suction holes 15 on the side wall of the rotating hollow scraper 14, and then sequentially enter the interior of the piston cylinder 38 through the connecting hose 20, the rotating pipe 31, and the one-way air inlet pipe 39. The filter screen 21 at the connecting hose 20 can intercept large particles of debris, preventing dust and impurities from entering the equipment and causing blockage.

[0036] When the piston plate 40 moves in the reverse direction, the internal space of the piston cylinder 38 is compressed, and the gas is discharged to the outside through the one-way valve of the one-way exhaust pipe 42. The one-way valve inside the one-way intake pipe 39 and the one-way exhaust pipe 42 ensures unidirectional airflow and prevents dust backflow. Through the continuous reciprocating motion of the piston plate 40, continuous pneumatic adsorption and cleaning of dust in the detection area is achieved, purifying the detection space, completing the overall cleaning operation of the equipment, and ensuring the accuracy and safety of the next detection.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tablet hardness tester for use in pharmaceutical research and development, characterized in that, include: Test bench (1), the upper end of the test bench (1) is slidably connected to a sliding support plate (4), the upper end of the sliding support plate (4) is fixedly connected with three shielding plates (5) at equal intervals, the three shielding plates (5) are used to divide the upper end of the sliding support plate (4) into two detection spaces, and the upper end of the test bench (1) is provided with a shielding cover (3) that cooperates with the detection space. Two detection mechanisms are located in two detection spaces respectively. Each detection mechanism includes a detection cylinder (6) fixedly connected to a sliding support plate (4). A placement platform (8) is fixedly connected inside the detection cylinder (6). Multiple detection components are provided on the upper end of the placement platform (8). The middle part of the placement platform (8) is provided with a rotation triggering mechanism. After rotation, the rotation triggering mechanism can intermittently trigger multiple detection components to achieve hardness measurement of multiple tablets and improve measurement efficiency.

2. The tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection assembly includes a first fixed plate (12) and a second fixed plate (16). Both the first fixed plate (12) and the second fixed plate (16) are fixedly connected to the placement platform (8). A pressure plate (13) is provided on the side of the second fixed plate (16) near the first fixed plate (12). Two guide posts (18) are symmetrically fixedly connected on the side of the pressure plate (13) near the second fixed plate (16). The other ends of the two guide posts (18) pass through the corresponding second fixed plate (16) and are slidably connected. The pressure plate (13) and the corresponding second fixed plate (16) are elastically connected by a first spring (19). An abutment strip (17) is installed on the side of the pressure plate (13) near the second fixed plate (16). An intelligent pressure sensor is installed between the abutment strip (17) and the second fixed plate (16). The other side of the abutment strip (17) passes through the corresponding second fixed plate (16) and is slidably connected. One side of the abutment strip (17) is an inclined surface.

3. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection component also includes a placement slot (10) opened on the upper end of the placement platform (8), and a slidable placement plate (11) is provided at the opening of the placement slot (10), with the upper end surface of the placement plate (11) being flush with the upper end surface of the placement platform (8).

4. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotation triggering mechanism includes a rotating column (22) rotatably connected to the upper end of the placement platform (8). A rotating seat (9) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating column (22). A T-shaped groove (23) is provided at the eccentric part of the rotating seat (9). A T-shaped block (25) is slidably connected in the T-shaped groove (23). The side of the T-shaped block (25) close to the central axis of the rotating column (22) is elastically connected to the inner wall of the T-shaped groove (23) through a second spring (24). A U-shaped connecting strip (27) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the T-shaped block (25). A stop rod (28) is fixedly connected to the side of the U-shaped connecting strip (27) away from the central axis of the rotating column (22). The stop rod (28) cooperates with the inclined surfaces of multiple stop bars (17).

5. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotation triggering mechanism also includes a transmission cavity (7) opened inside the placement platform (8). A rotating tube (31) is rotatably connected to the top of the transmission cavity (7). The upper end of the rotating tube (31) passes through the transmission cavity (7) and is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column (22). A drive motor (37) is fixedly connected to the top of the transmission cavity (7). The output shaft of the drive motor (37) is connected to the rotating tube (31) through a synchronizing element.

6. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 5, characterized in that, The synchronizing element includes two synchronizing pulleys (43), which are respectively mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor (37) and the rotating tube (31). The two synchronizing pulleys (43) are connected by a synchronous belt (29).

7. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a cleaning mechanism, which includes multiple rectangular cavities (33). The top of each rectangular cavity (33) is connected to the bottom of the corresponding placement slot (10) through a through-hole. A rectangular slider (35) is slidably connected inside each rectangular cavity (33). A fixing rod (34) is connected through the upper end of each rectangular slider (35). The other end of each fixing rod (34) is connected through the corresponding through-hole and fixedly connected to the lower end of the corresponding placement plate (11). The lower end of each placement plate (11) is elastically connected to the bottom of the corresponding placement slot (10) through a third spring (32). An electromagnet (36) is installed at the bottom of each placement slot (10). Each placement plate (11) is magnetic. When each electromagnet (36) is energized, it repels the adjacent surfaces of the corresponding placement plate (11) with the same polarity.

8. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes a rotating hollow scraper (14) fixedly connected to the upper end of the U-shaped connecting strip (27), and an impact strip (26) fixedly connected to the groove of the T-shaped groove (23), the impact strip (26) cooperating with the U-shaped connecting strip (27).

9. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes a piston cylinder (38) fixedly connected to the side wall of the transmission cavity (7). A piston plate (40) is slidably connected inside the piston cylinder (38). The output shaft of the drive motor (37) is fixedly connected to a drive disc (30). The eccentric part of the drive disc (30) is rotatably connected to the piston plate (40) through a connecting rod (41). The extended space of the piston cylinder (38) is connected to a one-way air inlet pipe (39) and a one-way exhaust pipe (42). The other end of the one-way air inlet pipe (39) is connected to the lower end of the rotating pipe (31) through a rotary joint. The upper end of the rotating pipe (31) passes through the rotating column (22) and the rotating seat (9) and is connected to the interior of the rotating hollow scraper (14) through a connecting hose (20). Multiple adsorption holes (15) are opened on the side wall of the rotating hollow scraper (14). A filter screen (21) is installed at the connection between the connecting hose (20) and the rotating hollow scraper (14). The one-way intake pipe (39) is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the rotating pipe (31) to enter the piston cylinder (38) in one direction, and the one-way exhaust pipe (42) is equipped with a one-way valve that allows the piston cylinder (38) to discharge to the outside in one direction.

10. A tablet hardness tester for pharmaceutical research and development according to claim 9, characterized in that, The test bench (1) is equipped with a display control panel (2) on the upper rear side. The display control panel (2) is electrically connected to the drive motor (37), multiple electromagnets (36) and multiple intelligent pressure sensors.

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